perianth

[ per-ee-anth ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

, Botany.

perianth

/ ˈpɛrɪˌænθ /

perianth

/ pĕr′ē-ănth′ /

1700–10; earlier perianthium < New Latin. See peri-, anth-, -ium

C18: from French périanthe, from New Latin, from peri- + Greek anthos flower

The perianth, when present at all, consists of two or four scale-like parts, and the stamens correspond in number with these.

The perianth is deeply divided, and the stamens are inserted in its base, opposite the divisions.

The segments of the perianth are very narrow and sharp, and the seeds are enclosed in a loose testa.

The male flowers grow in catkins, each arising from a scaly bract, and have a green perianth.

Perianth, per′i-anth, n. the floral envelope where the calyx and corolla are not easily distinguished.

April 24, 2024gallimaufry

[gal-uh-maw-free ]

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